Two years ago today, Jayson Tatum was just a wide-eyed rookie preparing for his first season of NBA action. At the time, it was unclear if the young forward would be a starter, or play a supporting role coming off the team’s bench.
Tatum would have little trouble establishing himself as an indispensable part of that Celtics team, though, as he turned in the best rookie season by a Boston Celtics’ player since Larry Bird in 1979-1980.
Playing in just over thirty minutes per contest in 2017-2018, Tatum would average 14 points, five rebounds, and over an assist per game.